Myasthenia Gravisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Autoimmune Disorders
What is Myasthenia Gravis?
Myasthenia gravis is a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by varying degrees of weakness of the voluntary muscles of the body. The hallmark of the disease is muscle fatigue that worsens after periods of activity and improves after periods of rest. This condition often affects muscles that control eye and eyelid movement, facial expression, and swallowing. Myasthenia gravis results from a breakdown in the normal communication between nerves and muscles, leading to significant impacts on daily living and potentially life-threatening complications in severe cases.
How Does TCM View Myasthenia Gravis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches myasthenia gravis from a holistic perspective, viewing it as a manifestation of underlying imbalances within the body's organ systems and vital substances. TCM practitioners see this condition as primarily stemming from deficiencies in Qi and Blood, leading to muscle weakness and fatigue. The emphasis is placed on identifying the specific patterns of disharmony—such as Qi Deficiency, Blood Deficiency, or Kidney Qi not being firm—that contribute to the symptoms. Understanding these patterns is crucial for crafting a treatment strategy aimed at restoring balance and strengthening the body's resilience.
Causes of Myasthenia Gravis According to TCM
In TCM, myasthenia gravis is believed to arise from a combination of internal Deficiencies and external invasions that disrupt the body's natural harmony. Several patterns often associated with this condition, such as Qi and Blood Deficiency, where there is not enough vital energy or nourishing blood to sustain normal muscle function, and Kidney Qi Deficiency, reflecting a deeper level of energetic weakness that affects the body's structural and functional integrity.
These Deficiencies can lead to the body's inability to resist external pathogenic factors, further exacerbating muscle weakness and fatigue. Addressing both the root causes and the symptoms is essential for effective treatment.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Myasthenia Gravis
To address the complexities of myasthenia gravis, TCM prescribes a variety of formulas aimed at tonifying Qi and Blood, securing Essence, and balancing internal disharmonies. Gui Pi Tang, enriched with Ginseng, is utilized to bolster Qi and nourish Blood, tackling Deficiencies that lead to overall weakness. Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan focuses on strengthening the Kidney Qi, crucial for maintaining the body's foundational energy.
For conditions marked by Wind-Cold invasion due to Yang Deficiency, Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang is recommended to expel the external pathogen and warm the Yang. Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang, featuring White Peony Roots, specifically targets Spleen and Liver Blood Deficiency, enriching the Blood to support muscle strength and function. These tailored treatments exemplify TCM's nuanced approach to managing myasthenia gravis, emphasizing restoration and harmonization of the body's vital energies.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address myasthenia gravis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that tonify qi and blood
- Formulas that secure essence and stop enuresis
- Formulas that clear exterior disorders with interior deficiency
- Formulas that tonify blood
Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
Myasthenia gravis can be treated by these formulas when there is a combined deficiency of both Qi and Blood, requiring comprehensive tonification.
One such formula is Gui Pi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that secure Essence and stop enuresis
Myasthenia gravis can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by a deficiency in the body's essence, leading to symptoms like involuntary urination.
One such formula is Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan, with milkvetch seeds as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency
Myasthenia gravis can be treated by formulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency if it arises from an external pathogen attacking a body with underlying weakness.
One such formula is Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Blood
Myasthenia gravis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to blood deficiency, requiring blood-nourishing and enriching actions.
One such formula is Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang, with white peony root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Myasthenia Gravis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address myasthenia gravis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Myasthenia gravis can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for myasthenia gravis, like Gui Pi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for myasthenia gravis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Gui Pi Tang |
| Liquorice (Gan Cao) | Gui Pi Tang |
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Myasthenia gravis can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Milkvetch Seeds (Sha Yuan Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for myasthenia gravis, like Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Myasthenia gravis can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Ephedra (Ma Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for myasthenia gravis, like Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Myasthenia gravis can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for myasthenia gravis, like Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang.